Designed by Pininfarina, with coachwork by Scaglietti, this magnificent example, chassis no. 5845GT, was the fourth of only thirty-two 250 LMs built.

With the final countdown well underway to Sunday’s much anticipated Ferrari Leggenda e Passione auction event to be held in Maranello, Italy, RM Auctions is delighted to announce an important inclusion to the auction line-up – a legendary, grand-prix winning 1964 Ferrari 250 LM.

Designed by Pininfarina, and with coachwork by Scaglietti, this magnificent example, chassis no. 5845GT, was the fourth of only thirty-two 250 LMs built. The highlight of its extensive racing history occurred in 1965 when, capably driven by Jochen Rindt, s/n 5845GT claimed one of the most interesting victories for the 250 LM, taking first place at the esteemed Austrian Grand Prix.

The 1965 Austrian Grand Prix was a 200 mile race that was widely expected to be won by Mike Parkes in the Maranello Concessionaires 365 P2. With its exceptional balance and handling, Jochen Rindt was able to make the tyres (and fuel) last the full race, and without a pit stop he had a 31 second lead over Parkes when the chequered flag fell.

In September 1969, the car was shipped to Boston, Massachusetts in the United States and it was later converted for road use. The dashboard was covered with leather, the sliding windows replaced with wind-up windows, and the seat belts and carpets were added. During the ensuing years, the car changed hands numerous times, during which it was, at one stage, a common sight on New York  freeways, being used by its then owner during his regular commutes into the city. The car was purchased by its current owner in 2002, at which time it underwent a comprehensive restoration.

“The 250 LM is one of the most highly sought after of all Ferraris, and the example offered here is one of the best examples of the 250 LM and the first to be offered by RM Auctions since 2002,” says Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM’s European Operations in referring to s/n 5845GT.

"Eligible for the most prestigious competitions, such as the Shell/Ferrari Historic Challenge series, it is certainly one of the most desirable, exciting Ferraris in existence. Its upcoming sale presents an exclusive ownership opportunity,” he added.

Other notable highlights set to cross the block at RM’s Maranello auction this weekend include, but are not limited to:

• A pair of rare and ultra-desirable California Spyders, in short and long wheelbase configuration

• A 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe Pinin Farina, formerly owned by film director Roberto Rossellini and his wife, Ingrid Bergman

• A 1951 Ferrari 340 America Ghia Coupe with a superlative racing history

• An ultra-collectible, award-winning 1971 Ferrari GTS/4 Daytona Spyder

• A 1999 Ferrari 333SP, one of the greatest sports racing cars to have been produced by Ferrari

• A pair of factory F1 race cars raced by Michael Schumacher - a 1997 Ferrari F31OB and a 2000 Ferrari F2000

• Two Ferrari Enzos from the consecutive 2003 and 2004 production years

• A special India Tour model 2008 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti to be sold without reserve for charity.

The event will be proudly presented by RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s. All of the cars attending the event will be certified by Ferrari Classiche.

Also set to cross the block on Sunday in Maranello is one of the world’s most important Ferrari memorabilia collections - the Ferrari Francorchamps Collection, to be offered directly, without reserve, from Jacques Swaters, the renowned ex Ferrari team manager and importer. Sunday’s auction marks the first time the collection has been offered to the public, presenting Ferrari aficionados a unique opportunity to purchase a part of automotive history. One of the highlights of the collection is the only four-door Ferrari ever produced – the prototype 1980 Ferrari Pinin, which made its debut at the 1980 Turin Motor Show. A unique car, not only in its conception but also in Ferrari history, its sale is certain to attract the interest of discerning collectors worldwide.

Celebrating nearly 30 years in the collector car industry, North American-based RM Auctions Inc. and its associated companies are responsible for acquisitions, restorations and sales of the world’s rarest and most valuable vintage automobiles, including record-breaking sales in Maranello, Italy and London, England. RM’s restoration division achieved unprecedented accolades in 2006, when they earned “Best of Show” honors at the world’s top three collector car events in a single year.